About the Fund
The Ernest Frank Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Arlene Fulton Hammond, a beloved neighbor and dear friend whose life embodied kindness, warmth and unwavering grace. Created by Ernest Frank, who considered Arlene a surrogate mother, the fund honors her legacy by supporting educational opportunities — something she deeply valued.
Arlene and Ernest met in 1987 at their West Palm Beach condominium complex, shortly after both had experienced the loss of loved ones. Their bond grew into a profound and enduring friendship. Ernest, who was by Arlene’s side when she passed away in 1997, described her as “one of the finest persons I’ve ever known,” and remembered her as sweet, steady, optimistic, affectionate and generous. “We could all benefit from emulating her,” he wrote. “The least I could do was commemorate her life in some way.”
Her daughter, Beverly Fulton Wilkins, expressed deep gratitude for this meaningful tribute. “She had a lot of wonderful qualities, and he was perceptive enough to see them,” she said. “She couldn’t have found a better friend anywhere.”
The scholarship fund serves as a lasting expression of love, respect and friendship, ensuring that Arlene’s spirit lives on by helping students pursue brighter futures — just as she would have wanted.
